Were most of the decisions you made throughout your service based off of what was best for your family or for what was best for your career?

It's always a compromise. Sometimes you have no choice but to take that duty assignment sending your family half way around the world in order to take a leadership position but then sometimes you are able to work it out so that you don't have to go TDY so you can attend a major family event.

2LT. I tried to take both in consideration when I faced That. It didn't workout every time but I did make one huge boo-boo. I think it cost me a E-8 rank, but I can never be sure. Besides, that was a long ago and there is no do overs. But I made one decision after I got out that is still paying off. After 20 years.

I only had influence on my career one time.....the time I reenlisted for station of choice a month before my 10 yr mark (after that you are "Indef" and at everyone's mercy). I ALWAYS wanted to see Hawaii and they offered it. I was ecstatic. I called the now "ex" and she said. "I want to go to Fort Carson (CO). I was totally bummed but took Carson. I got there and was off for Iraq.

All the threads pretty much say what needs to be said. Your family is a paramount part of your career and will be affected by the decisions you make. It's a fine line to walk. There will be certain times in your career where you will absolutely have to take on a duty position that you may not want in order to ensure progression. Prior to going into any assignment, there is always a family discussion in my house. If you are married, your wife needs to be an integral part of the decision to be made. Military life can be challenging at times, with long periods of separation and a fast paced life style. The best advice I can give is to always consult with your family and think about the impact on their lives that a new job will cause. When the pace does slow down, use that time wisely to strengthen your family so that when you do leave again, you are strong and they are strong and ready for the challenge ahead. Lastly, when laying out assignment options for your family....I've always found that simply laying out the facts to your family instead of trying to "sell" them an assignment is always best.